Terryville Elementary School in the Comsewogue School District recently commemorated the 100th anniversary of the renowned SCRIPPS National Spelling Bee by hosting their own spelling competition for fifth-grade students. The event, designed to celebrate academic excellence and perseverance, also highlighted key principles of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL).
“Our goal was to create an engaging and meaningful experience for our students,” said Terryville Elementary School Principal Dr. Annemarie Sciove. “By incorporating SEL principles into the spelling competition, we helped students build confidence and character while sharpening their academic talents.”
The initiative officially launched during the school’s March SEL Assembly, at which Comsewogue teachers introduced students to the rich history of the National Spelling Bee and connected the event to the SEL character pillar of “perseverance”—emphasizing the importance of dedication, resilience, and continuous learning.
Each fifth-grade student received a comprehensive preparation packet including an informational flyer, an extensive word list, and a QR code linking to at-home practice materials. Throughout March, students honed their skills during Library classes by practicing with their teachers and peers.
Preliminary classroom rounds determined two finalists from each fifth-grade class, who then advanced to the final round, held during the school’s April SEL Assembly. The culmination of weeks of preparation, the event served not only as an academic challenge but also as a celebration of sportsmanship, kindness, and inclusivity—core values of the Terryville community.
The event was a resounding success, with students and staff alike expressing enthusiasm and pride in their participation. Terryville Elementary looks forward to continuing this tradition of integrating SEL into academic opportunities that empower and inspire every student.
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